What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally transparent lens within the eye. It is not a growth or a film that can be peeled off. Located inside the eye, cataracts cannot be seen without a special microscope. Thus, they do not change the appearance of the eye; they do not cause discomfort. Changes may be so gradual that you are not aware of a cataract’s effect at first. When a cataract is removed patients usually remark on how bright and clear things are and that they can see much more detail.
More than 1.5 million Americans enjoy the benefits of renewed sight through cataract surgery annually. Cataracts are the most common cause of blurred vision over the age of 50. Up to 50% of patients older than age 65 have visually significant cataracts. Although there is no medicine or diet to cure cataracts, surgical removal of the cataract and replacement with a permanent artificial lens implant can restore lost vision.
What are the symptoms?
Cataract symptoms include blurriness, hazy vision, increased glare from headlights, difficult with road signs, halos, decreased visual acuity, loss of contrast and detail, and glare with oncoming headlights. Cataracts cause visual symptoms only; they do not cause pain, discomfort, tearing, or redness. Reading may take more effort, and you may tire more easily. Vision may progressively worsen over a period of years or sometimes after only a few months. Some patients are asymptomatic and are surprised to find out they have cataracts.
What causes cataracts?
Most cataracts result simply from the natural aging process of the human lens. Cataracts are not a disease, nor do they occur at the same age or rate in everyone. Smoking, UV (sunlight) exposure, and some medications can contribute to cataract formation.
When should cataracts be removed?
The decision to have cataracts removed is elective. Because cataracts do not harm other parts of the eye, nothing needs to be done if you are not significantly bothered by symptoms. However, as activities such as driving and reading become increasingly affected by cataracts, surgery becomes a logical option to consider.
With the success of the modern implant, waiting for cataracts to “ripen” is no longer necessary. Since cataracts will not improve and will eventually worsen, there is no advantage in delaying treatment if vision is sufficiently affected and the prognosis of surgery is good.
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